Yes—complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), including reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), can be a recognized disability in Canada if it results in severe pain and persistent functional limitations that prevent you from working.

Employer-based or private disability benefits can provide crucial financial support for individuals unable to maintain employment due to CRPS.

What Is a CRPS?

Complex regional pain syndrome is a difficult, long-lasting pain condition that often begins after an injury, surgery, or other trauma to a limb. CRPS typically affects an arm, leg, hand, or foot—and the pain is much greater than you’d expect from the original injury.

Symptoms may include:

• Intense pain that feels burning, aching, or throbbing
  

• Swelling, skin color or temperature changes
  

• Stiffness and reduced movement
  

• Heightened sensitivity to touch, cold, or movement
  

• Muscle spasms, joint discomfort
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This disorder is sometimes called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), particularly for Type I cases.

People living with CRPS can have trouble performing basic tasks and everyday activities.

CRPS is often misunderstood and frequently invisible on routine tests, so insurers may question or deny claims without strong supporting documents. That’s why detailed records, specialist support, and honest symptom reporting are essential.

Types of Complex Regional Pain

Both types cause severe pain and disability, which can persist for months or even years.

Both types cause severe pain and disability, which can persist for months or even years.

Is CRPS a Disability?

Absolutely—complex regional pain syndrome is a legally recognized disabling condition if its symptoms stop you from doing your job or other essential work tasks. In the context of employer-sponsored or private disability insurance plans, insurers consider whether:

• You have a doctor’s diagnosis of CRPS or RSD
  

• Chronic pain limits your ability to work reliably
  

• You’re unable to perform your own occupation (initially) and any occupation (after a set period)

Your eligibility for disability benefits depends on how your CRPS affects your daily life and ability to work, rather than just having the diagnosis.

How Severe Pain from CRPS Impacts Eligibility for Long Term Disability Benefits

Severe pain caused by complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is often the single biggest factor when private or employer-based insurers assess your eligibility for long term disability benefits in Canada.

Here’s how severe pain plays a crucial role—and what insurers look for:

Pain as a Disabling Symptom

• CRPS typically leads to intense pain that does not match the original injury, and it persists long after the body should have healed. This pain can be burning, stabbing, throbbing, or shooting, and is often chronic.

• Severe pain makes it hard to move, concentrate, sleep, or perform basic work tasks—whether physical or desk-based. Many people report difficulty using their affected limb, frequent breaks, and constant discomfort.

What Insurers Require

• Objective documentation: You must show how your pain impacts your ability to work reliably. Insurers require medical records showing persistent pain, functional limitations, and unsuccessful attempts at various treatments like physical therapy or medications.

• Specialist support: Insurers give the most weight to notes and diagnoses from pain specialists or doctors familiar with CRPS and its unpredictable nature.

• Functional limitations: The more your pain interferes with essential work duties—lifting, typing, standing, walking, concentrating—the stronger your claim for disability benefits.

How Severe Pain Strengthens Your Claim

• Daily impact: Journals or logs showing frequent “bad pain days,” need to rest, missed work, or inability to complete regular tasks provide compelling evidence.

• Treatment records: Documentation showing you’ve tried everything reasonable (including spinal cord stimulation in severe cases) but pain remains uncontrolled can influence insurers to approve your disability claim.

• Mental health: Severe pain from CRPS often leads to anxiety, depression, or sleep issues—these secondary effects count toward disability eligibility if well documented.

CRPS Diagnosis and Treatment

Getting a CRPS diagnosis usually involves:

• Detailed doctor evaluation (specialist or pain specialist)
  

• Medical history and review of symptoms
  

• Physical exam and possibly diagnostic tests

Treatment options for CRPS often include:

• Physical therapy: To maintain movement, flexibility, and strength
  

• Pain medications: Nerve pain treatments, anti-inflammatories, or sometimes stronger medicines
  

• Spinal cord stimulation: Electrical devices used for severe pain relief
  

• Psychological support: Addressing mental health like depression, anxiety, or insomnia

Treatment aims to improve function and quality of life, but some cases never fully resolve. Disability claims should document both physical and emotional impacts.

Insurers do not approve claims based solely on the diagnosis; instead, they look for clear evidence that your chronic pain, intense symptoms, and physical or mental health impacts make it impossible to fulfill your job duties or any suitable work.

Disability Benefits for CRPS Patients

If you’re unable to work due to complex regional pain syndrome, you may qualify for:

• Short term disability: Temporary relief for a few months while you recover or seek treatment
  

• Long term disability benefits: Replacement income (often up to 65%–70% of salary) if you cannot work for an extended period

You will need to provide clear evidence that your chronic pain and symptoms prevent you from reliably performing your job duties.

Quick Checklist: Applying for CRPS Disability Benefits

Applying for Disability Benefits

To help support your claim for disability benefits with CRPS, follow these steps:

1. Get detailed medical records: Ask your doctor to provide comprehensive notes on your CRPS diagnosis, history, and all treatments.
   

2. Track symptoms and limitations: Daily journals show the reality of your chronic pain and how it affects work and routine activities.
   

3. Report all treatments tried: Insurers look for proof that you’ve properly tried recommended therapies.
   

4. Follow your doctor’s advice: Insurers may deny claims if you refuse reasonable treatments without cause.
   

5. Consult with legal experts if denied: Many Canadians win their claims after seeking legal help and submitting extra evidence.

Why Your Disability Claim May Be Denied

CRPS claims can be denied for several reasons:

• Not enough objective documentation or specialist confirmation
  

• Insurer believes you are still able to work, or symptoms are exaggerated
  

• Insufficient proof of treatments tried (insurers want evidence of treatment attempts)
  

• Mental health impact not included—emotional symptoms count toward disability
  

If denied, do not appeal without professional advice; disability lawyers recommend seeking legal help first.

Legal Help with Disability Claims

Many CRPS claims require legal support, especially if your insurer disagrees with your doctor’s recommendations or questions your symptoms’ severity. Lawyers can:

• Advocate on your behalf if your insurer denies or delays benefits
  

• File a lawsuit against insurance providers that act unfairly
  

• Gather medical and specialist evidence to support your claim